Tag Archives: Renewable Energy Source

Biodiesel is a renewable energy source. Read some interesting facts about biodiesel.

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel (renewable energy source), which is produced from the algae, from vegetable oil, animal fats or recyclable fats from restaurants. It can be produced locally in most states.

Biodiesel is produced through the transesterification chemical process where the glycerin is separated from the fats and vegetable oils. You get two products: methyl esters of (chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerin. Glycerine is a valuable by-product for the production of soaps and other products.

Biodiesel is non-toxic and produces typically about 60% less emission of carbon dioxide.

Biodiesel is generally more expensive than the normal fossil diesel fuel. This difference could be due to the size of the economy, increasing prices of diesel fuel, and avoided tax stimulations of the state. In Germany, for example, biodiesel is generally cheaper than normal diesel at gas stations, where both fuels are sold.

Biodiesel is used by millions of car owners in Europe and particularly in Germany. With the market share of nearly 3% of the German market, the diesel biodiesel fuel became the main alternative fuel, and its consumption will increase safely.

Energy value of biodiesel is about 90% of the energy value of ordinary diesel.

In the U.S., biodiesel is the only alternative fuel that has very less impact on health, according to the law on the clean air (Clean Air Act – 1990).

Biodiesel is often blended with ordinary diesel fuel. The mixture of 20% of the biodiesel and 80% of the normal diesel is called the mixture B20. Some people believe that this is pure biodiesel.

Biodiesel has a higher point of flammability than normal diesel (over 160 ° C).